Ocean Exploration : Consensus Reports

The division produces 60-70 reports per year. These reports are unique, authoritative expert evaluations. Each report is produced by a committee of experts selected by the Academy to address a particular statement of task and is subject to a rigorous, independent peer review. The experts who volunteer their time participating on study committees are vetted to make sure that the committee has the range of expertise needed to address the task, that they have a balance of perspectives, and to identify and eliminate members with conflicts of interest. All reports undergo a rigorous, independent peer review to assure that the statement of task has been addressed, that conclusions are adequately supported, and that all important issues raised by the reviewers are addressed. Thus, while the reports represent views of the committee, they also are endorsed by the Academy.

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Synthetic biology and related biotechnologies hold great promise for addressing challenges in human health, agriculture, and other realms. At the same time, synthetic biology raises concerns about possible malicious uses that might threaten human health or national security. This interim report is the first phase of a study by the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine to assess potential vulnerabilities. The report proposes ...
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People in developed countries spend the vast majority of their time indoors. That time is shared with a large and diverse community of microorganisms that find their way into homes, workplaces, schools, and other buildings. Research on indoor environments, microorganisms, and human health has been conducted for decades, but new molecular tools and collaborative efforts that bridge microbiology, engineering, architecture, and public health ar...
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates toxic chemicals as part of its mission to protect human health and the environment. Traditional toxicity testing relies heavily on studies that expose test animals to chemicals at amounts much higher than typical human exposures (i.e., low doses). However, some chemicals can cause health effects at low doses. This report outlines a strategy to improve EPA's ability to evaluate evidence o...
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports extramural research at academic and nonprofit institutions through a competitive, peer-reviewed grant program known as Science to Achieve Results, or STAR. The STAR program funds research to address critical gaps in knowledge in areas of science that are relevant to Environmental Protection Agency's mission. At the request of EPA, this report assesses the STAR program's scientific merit...
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An increase in brucellosis cases in the Greater Yellowstone Area has alarmed cattle and domestic bison producers and spurred new scientific analyses to determine the factors involved. Brucellosis is found in cattle, bison, and elk and can result in late-gestation abortion, decreased milk production, and loss of fertility. Although it is not considered a major public health threat in the United States, brucellosis can have serious economi...
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